About this lesson
In the series of activities students will continue to learn about why the government attempted to attract more migrants to Australia during the 1950's and 1960's with reference to the notion of 'Populate or Perish'. Students will examine sources and artefacts documenting Australian sentiments about migrants Post WWII and into the beginning of the 1950's. Students will reflect on the sources and synthesis the evidence present to present an opinion in the perspective of an Australian citizen of the time discussing the change of migration patterns and acceptance of certain migrants. In this lesson the learning pertained in the activities focus on developing student knowledge through the development of critical and creative thinking, literacy and personal and social capabilities.
Source A
Tomorrows Australians News Review 'Immigration Minister Tells What Migrant Types We Want' (1948)
Using the source above and your own knowledge what does the artefact tell you about the sentiments of the Australian public in terms of the type of migrants are acceptable? Reflecting on the idea of populate or perish give two reasons for why certain types of migrants were favoured over others.
Using the sources above and your own knowledge how has migration patterns and general beliefs changed? Discuss how migration patterns and practices changed in attempting to increase the population of Australia.
CreateUsing your own understanding the knowledge you have gained from the sources and artefacts examined thus far write a diary entry in the perspective of an Australian living in the 1950's. Discuss the changing policy and beliefs of Australian in relation to the acceptance of certain migrants into the nation; from British to non- British. Reflect on the characteristics and qualities of each migrant group and reflect on what you think they would contribute towards the nation and why you think other nationalities are favoured over others. Be sure to discuss your thoughts about the opinions expressed in the sources as you examined them.
Extension Task:
An artist impression of the life of people involved in the Snowy Mountain Scheme.
The source depicts the life of many migrant groups which worked on the Snowy Mountain Scheme which began in 1949. Based on this depiction do you think the Snowy Mountain Scheme was framed on the idea of racial harmony, a continuation of the White Australia Policy, or something else? Explain your view.
Ask for help
Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards. (2012). History Syllabus. Retrieved from https://syllabus.bostes.nsw.edu.au/hsie/history-k10/
Cameron, K., Lawless, J., & Young, C. (2002). Investigating Australia’s Twentieth Century History. Melbourne, Victoria: Thomson Neslon. Darlington, R. (2012). History Alive 10. Victoria, Australia: Jacaranda Dennett, B., & Howitt, B. (2015). Oxford Insight History: Australian Curriculum For NSW Stage 5 Year 10. Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press. Howitt, B. (2013). Pearson History Student Book 10. Melbourne, Victoria: Pearson Australia. Tomorrows Australian Booklet News Review. [Image] (1948). Retrieved from http://www.vroom.naa.gov.au/Images/1376656_0044_tcm11-82937.jpg |